5 Herbal and Natural Ways to Relieve Asthma

Due to its unpredictability and the danger that it poses for each and every attack asthma requires constant monitoring and treatment. Although the there is no doubt when it comes to the affectivity of your prescribed medication, there may be unwanted side effects that can result from long term usage.

Of course your doctor wouldn't tell you that long term use of steroid based drugs for example can impair the immune system and can lead to more serious health problems in the future out of fear that you might stop your medication totally. You will need your medication to prevent and control attacks but it is important that as soon as possible you can minimize your dependence before any irreparable damage is done.

So how can this be done then? There are actually various options that you have when you want to deal with asthma without having to depend too much on your regular treatment. One of the options is getting relief and control with the aid of nature's own medicine; plants.

Even before the advent of modern medicine, our ancestors have already been using plants and herbs for various ailments and afflictions. Not only are they effective, they are also safe and can work well along with your regular medication.

Strengthening your immunity by natural means and helping eliminate underlying causes as well. While more complicated preparations will require the aid of an expert, there are a number of mixtures with easy to find ingredients that you can prepare for yourself. Here are a few of them:

Honey: Honey is considered to be one of the most highly beneficial and most commonly used ingredients in treating asthma. Honey has been known to help asthmatics by thinning the mucus within the body making it easier to expel. Here are some preparations that you can make using honey as the main ingredient: Mix 1 teaspoon of honey in lukewarm water and take three times a day, you can add a little sugar for taste. You can also mash the bitter root of a gourd plant into a thick paste and mix it with honey, take one teaspoon before going to bed every night. Try it for a month and feel the improvement for yourself.

Ginger: A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with honey and a cup of fenugreek can act as an effective expectorant for asthmatics. Take once in the morning after waking up and once in the evening before going to bed.

Garlic: Garlic has long been used by some asthmatics to deal with coughing, congestion of the chest and sore throats. The preparation of garlic for asthma includes; 10 cloves of garlic and about a quarter cup of milk. Mix the two ingredients together and bring to a boil. Strain the garlic and allow the mixture to cool. Take during an outset of asthma to relieve discomfort.

Figs: There are many varieties of figs found in the market and while eating them raw can help deal with the condition, they are actually quite more effective when soaked in water. Choose soft, sweet smelling figs for this preparation as they have the best effect. Soak figs in water and leave overnight, eat the soaked figs preferably on an empty stomach and drink the water where the figs were soaked, this will further help clear out mucus buildup within the throat and lungs.

Mustard oil: Mustard oil mostly serves as an inhaler for asthmatics. All the preparation needs is boiling water and mustard oil. Since there is no specific amount required, feel free to experiment until you get the mixture that works best for you. Inhale the steam deeply and slowly to get the best possible results.

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